Our Story
BRINGING HOPE AND HEALING TO RWANDA
Since 2020, His Hands On Africa (HHOA) has made significant strides in transforming dental care in Rwanda. From opening the Compassion Community Dental Clinic at Nyamata District Hospital to launching multiple water projects and mobile clinics, HHOA has continually expanded its reach. By 2023, weekly outreach trips, new clinic approvals, and the purchase of the HOPE Dental Center marked major milestones. Looking ahead, HHOA remains dedicated to training the next generation of dentists, integrating faith with healing, and extending its impact beyond Rwanda’s borders to bring lasting hope and care to those in need.
2015-2019
2020-Present
2020
Tom & Lita sell their dental practice and residence in Southern California, move to Rwanda and open the now-completed Compassion Community Dental Clinic within the Nyamata District Hospital. Located in the district of Bugesera, it serves nearly 500,000 people in an area of 500 square miles.
2021
HHOA completes its first water project in the Nyarunazi village, finishes construction of the second clinic a Health Center in Ngeruka and holds their first dental training meeting attended by sixteen dentists, dental students, and assistants. HHOA conducts its first Run-for-the-1 fundraiser in memory of a Rwandan woman who passed away while making a long journey to a dental clinic to receive treatment.
2022
The Nyamata District Hospital awards HHOA with a certificate of achievement for the Best Department of the Year. In addition, HHOA completed its second water project in Rugazi located in the Eastern Province. The water station serves 510 families or approximately 3,000 people. HHOA partners with The Roots Network and Dream Medical Center bringing dental professionals from Rwanda, India, Canada, South Korea, and the U.S. to join hands and hearts for a two-day mobile clinic in Kayego, located in Gatisbo district in the Eastern Province.
2023
The HHOA team conducts weekly outreach trips to outlying areas, serving around 80 people per outreach. Additionally, HHOA completed its third water project in Karambi and obtained approval for the construction of its third clinic. And most importantly, the purchase of the building that is to become the HOPE Dental Center was completed with plans to begin renovating in early 2024.
2024
In 2024, His Hands On Africa made remarkable strides in expanding its impact across Rwanda. Renovations began on the building purchased in 2023, transforming it into the Hope Dental Center—a future hub for high-quality care, training, and community service. Throughout the year, teams from partner organizations joined our staff to collaborate on projects, share expertise, and help extend our reach beyond Rwanda’s borders, laying the groundwork for regional partnerships and future international missions.
2025
In 2025, outreach efforts continued alongside the ongoing renovation of the Hope Dental Center, which is on track to become a fully functional hub for care, training, and service. In August, the HHOA board traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, to celebrate the HDC dedication ceremony. Outreach has expanded through new partnerships and even missions beyond the borders of Kigali. This year marks a pivotal moment in HHOA’s growth, establishing a sustainable approach to bringing hope and quality care to more people.
Future
Vision
Looking ahead, HHOA envisions the Hope Dental Center as a beacon of transformation as it continues to train and disciple dentists within Rwanda, launch mobile and satellite clinics, and serve as a hub for sustainable community outreach. Across Rwanda and beyond, care will reach even the most remote villages through Gospel-centered, locally trained professionals. With a focus on responsible growth and empowered local leadership, HHOA’s future is one where lives are transformed through renewed smiles, hope, and the lasting love of Christ.
